Portsmouth V Arsenal Preview

Portsmouth v Arsenal

Saturday 2 May 2009, Fratton Park

Kickoff: 15:00

Portsmouth

Portsmouth drew 0-0 with Newcastle United in their last league match.

In their last five, Portsmouth have won one, drawn three and lost one, earning six points from the fifteen available. Pompey are currently 14th in the league, equal on points with 13th placed Bolton and one point ahead of 15th placed Blackburn.

Portsmouth will be without Jerome Thomas for the match, whilst Niko Kranjcar, Younes Kaboul and Papa Bouba Diop are all doubts as well.

Arsenal

Arsenal beat Middlesbrough 2-0 in their last league match, the Gunners' 20th straight league match without a loss.

In their last five matches, Arsenal have won four and drawn one, picking up thirteen from fifteen points. They are currently fourth in the league, six point behind third placed Chelsea and ten points clear of fifth placed Aston Villa.

Arsenal will be without Gael Clichy for the match, but the Gunners' top scorer Robin van Persie is hopeful for a return, although manager Arsene Wenger may not risk him in preparation for Tuesday night's Champions League second-leg fixture against Manchester United

Prediction

Arsenal defeated Portsmouth 1-0 earlier this season at the Emirates, whilst last season's Portsmouth vs Arsenal match ended in a 0-0 draw.

The Gunners have now well and truly find their form after a disastrous start to the year saw them draw five consecutive matches. This is largely owing to the return from injury of key players such as Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott, as well as the January signing of Andrey Arshavin, with the Russian international scoring six goals in Arsenal's last six matches.

Although currently 14th in the league and seven points clear of the relegation zone, Portsmouth still have to be wary against complacency with four matches left in the season.

Portsmouth have recently had a decent record against Arsenal at Fratton Park, with their last three league matches at the Pompey home ground ending in draws.

With Arsenal likely to rest key players in preparation for Tuesday night's Champions League semi-final match against Man Utd, there is a good chance that Portsmouth could snatch a draw here.

But with Arsenal in red-hot form, and with the high-flying Andrey Arshavin sure to feature in this match due to his Champions League ineligibility, the Gunners still look good money to walk away from Fratton Park with all three points.

Read the complete preview with the best betting info at the Portsmouth - Arsenal odds and preview page now!

Then read our other weekend previews: Middlesbrough vs Man Utd, Chelsea vs Fulham, and Liverpool vs Newcastle all with Betting odds.